A hotel, apartment or chalet for your stay in Austria: what is the best choice?
You have decided to go to Austria. Whether you are going skiing or hiking, the anticipation has begun. But then comes the next choice: where will you stay? Will you opt for a hotel, an apartment or a chalet in the middle of the mountains? And what if you are travelling with a group?
It all depends on the trip you're going on and the accommodation you desire. In a hotel, you don't have to think about anything, but you are less flexible. In an apartment, you have a lot of privacy, but you have to think about dinner yourself. And a chalet? It's cosy and atmospheric, but often more expensive. What suits your group, budget and holiday mood best?
In this blog, we help you understand the differences between a hotel, apartment, chalet and group accommodation. You will discover what each type offers in terms of comfort, freedom, price and atmosphere. This blog was written by René Schwarte, co-owner and initiator of Ferienhaus Tirol.
Staying in a hotel in Austria: the advantages and disadvantages
Let's first take a closer look at hotels. Why would you choose to stay in a hotel?
Staying in a hotel is above all very comfortable and convenient. Your bed is made every morning and a generous breakfast buffet awaits you in the morning. You don't have to worry about a thing: the rooms are cleaned and you can often dine in the hotel and relax at the bar. This luxury and service make a hotel ideal if you really want to relax.
The disadvantage of a hotel is the fixed structure and price. You often have to stick to fixed times for breakfast and dinner, which is not convenient if you want to follow your own rhythm. You also usually pay more per person than with other types of accommodation, especially if you book with several people.
Staying in an apartment in Austria: the advantages and disadvantages
You can also stay in an apartment.
An apartment feels like your own place. You usually have extra space, such as a living room, and you can cook in your own kitchen. You decide your own daily routine: you can have breakfast or cook whenever you want. Apartments are often very nice for families and friends, because there is more space for larger groups in an apartment.
An apartment also has potential disadvantages. For example, an apartment does not offer the services that you would find in a hotel. There is no cleaning service, so you have to keep the flat clean yourself. You also often have to cook for yourself, which is not what you want to do after a day of hiking or skiing (although you can, of course, go out for a nice meal). Not everyone wants to do this, as you also have to take care of the shopping and do the washing up afterwards.
Staying in a chalet or group accommodation in Austria: the advantages
Of course, you can also choose to stay in a chalet or group accommodation. In a chalet, you sleep in a detached Austrian-style wooden cottage in the middle of the mountains. Chalets often have a fireplace and sometimes even a sauna. The advantage of a chalet is that you have the entire accommodation to yourself, offering plenty of privacy. Chalets are often a bit more luxurious and therefore more expensive.
Group accommodation is similar, but specifically designed for large groups. Group accommodation is available for families and groups of friends going on a winter sports holiday, for example. This type of accommodation has several bedrooms and often large communal areas. The advantage is that you can all stay together (rather than in separate hotel rooms) and it is therefore much cheaper per person.
Looking for a chalet in Austria?
Which accommodation suits which situation?
Of course, not everyone goes to Austria with the same intentions. If you are travelling as a couple, staying in group accommodation is obviously not relevant. So which type of accommodation is best suited to which situation?
A hotel
If you want comfort and service, then a hotel is the right choice. After a day of skiing, you want to relax and not have anything else on your mind. You want to be able to sit down for dinner and have a beer at the bar at the end of the evening. Some hotels also have wellness facilities and a sauna. A hotel is ideal if you are travelling to Austria with your partner (or a maximum of six people). Hotels are often centrally located and if you are going on a winter sports holiday, the ski lifts are often within walking distance. Hotels are also a great option for walking holidays, cycling holidays or short stays.
Chalet or flat
If you are travelling with children or as a family, a flat or chalet is often the better choice. You have more space, your own kitchen and you can set your own pace. No rushing for breakfast and plenty of space for children to play. A flat is often good value for money, especially for longer stays. Chalets and flats are particularly popular during the winter sports season. Chalets are often located near the slopes or even on the slopes themselves.
Group accommodation
Are you travelling with a large group of friends or family? Then a group house or large chalet is ideal. You stay together under one roof, share the costs and have plenty of space to cook and eat. Ideal for both summer and winter. Not only is it more fun, it's also cheaper than separate hotel rooms.
Chalet or group accommodation: which is better for a group?
A chalet is particularly cosy and atmospheric, while group accommodation is often larger and more practical for many people. A chalet often offers extra luxury (sauna, fireplace, right on the slopes) and group accommodation has more bedrooms and a large dining room or living room for the whole group.
Do you want to spend a lot of time together and save money? Then a group house or large chalet is the most convenient option. Are you more interested in that unique Austrian experience? Then choose a chalet.
What practical tips will help you choose accommodation?
Have you reached the orientation phase and is it slowly time to book your stay? Keep these tips in mind when booking:
- Are you travelling with children? Then consider an apartment or chalet. This will give them more space and freedom, without the fixed times of a hotel. Children can sleep in their own bedroom and run around freely in the garden or in the apartment itself.
- Do you want to enjoy a holiday without having to worry about anything? Choose a hotel. You will have a clean bed every day, a delicious fresh breakfast and often room service or restaurants in the building. Ideal if you are going away with your partner.
- Are you travelling with a group? Look for group houses or large chalets for 10+ people. These often have several bedrooms and a large living/dining room. Such a large house is usually cheaper per person than separate hotel rooms.
- Are you looking for atmosphere and comfort? Choose a chalet with extras such as a fireplace, sauna or hot tub. This is a wonderful Austrian experience, especially in winter. You will often be surrounded by nature or right next to the slopes.
- Pay close attention to the location: For winters
Conclusion: how do you choose the right accommodation?
We have said it several times already, but the accommodation you choose depends greatly on your wishes, the reason you are going to Austria and the company you are travelling with.
If you are going on a winter sports holiday, you will have different considerations than if you want to go hiking, cycling or simply explore Austria in the summer. And if you are travelling with a small family, you will be looking for completely different accommodation than if you want to go to Austria with a group of friends.
Do you enjoy cooking? Or would you rather be pampered and not have to think about anything? Is your accommodation important to you, or would you rather save money because you will mainly be out and about and only need your accommodation to sleep in?
In short, there are many considerations to make in order to arrive at a good choice. But once you have made your choice, the anticipation can begin and you can start enjoying everything Austria has to offer.
My name is René Schwarte, founder and co-owner of Ferienhaus-Tirol.eu. With many years of experience in holiday home rentals and deep familiarity with international guest expectations, I understand what makes a vacation truly enjoyable.
Ferienhaus-Tirol.eu offers a wide selection of carefully curated holiday homes, chalets and group accommodations throughout Austria. Whether you're travelling as a couple or with a group of up to 50 people – we help you find the right place with ease.
Our website is available in English, German and Dutch. We speak your language and are happy to assist you with any questions or special requests.
Need help?
Feel free to get in touch – we're here to make your Austrian holiday unforgettable.
Phone: +31854016545 Mail: info@Ferienhaus-Tirol.eu
René Schwarte
Co-OWNER
